• Hiking,  Indiana,  Kids,  Trips

    Family Vacation Guide for Indiana Dunes National Park

    Did you know you can find one of the most biodiverse National Parks in Indiana? Indiana Dunes became a National Park in 2019 and it is well worth a visit. While you might not think of Indiana when planning a trip to the beach, Indiana Dunes National Park offers hiking trails, historic sites, and sugar sand beaches to explore. Read on for the best tips and vacation guide for a family trip to Indiana Dunes National Park. About Indiana Dunes…

  • Day Trip,  Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri

    Explore Above and Below Ground at Onondaga Cave State Park

    Missouri is known as the cave state due to the large number of caves that can be found all throughout the area. One of those caves is preserved as a National Natural Landmark at Onondaga Cave State Park. Not only can you take a tour through this interesting and beautiful cave, but the park also offers some great hiking trails and other activities. Onondaga Cave State Park History Early settlers in the Meramec River Valley used the power of natural…

  • Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri

    Big Adventure at Big Sugar Creek State Park

    As much as we love Missouri’s more popular state parks such as Johnson’s Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks, or Roaring River, sometimes its nice to venture to a quieter park. You can find this solitude at Big Sugar Creek State Park. Located in far southwest Missouri, this lovely park is big on views but low on crowds or development. About Big Sugar Creek State Park Established in 1992, Big Sugar Creek State Park has a wild feel. Do not expect well groomed…

  • Day Trip,  Hiking,  Illinois,  Kids

    Rugged Adventure Awaits on the Rim Rock Recreation Trail

    The Shawnee National Forest of southern Illinois is one of our top areas to explore. There are endless hiking options for all abilities. One of our favorite hikes with kids in Shawnee is the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail. This moderate hike offers a rugged, yet kid friendly adventure with scenic views and stunning sandstone formations. Rim Rock Hiking Trail Distance: 0.8 mile round trip for upper trail. 0.7 mile one one on lower trail. Difficulty: 2/5 for upper trail which…

  • Day Trip,  Hiking,  History,  Illinois,  Kids

    Explore a Prehistoric Settlement at Millstone Bluff

    Millstone Bluff is a historic gem tucked within the Shawnee National Forest of southern Illinois. This archaeological site is not very well known, but worth a visit to view the remains of a prehistoric Native American village. A short and easy trail circles that site and is suitable for the whole family. History of Millstone Bluff The topography of Millstone Bluff rises 320 feet above the valley below. At the top of this mesa-like bluff, the Mississippian peoples constructed a…